BPL Community Profile

John Vance
(Servingko) -
BPL Forum Member

My Locale

Intermountain West

About Me

Thru hiked the PCT in 1983 and half of the CDT in 84. Backpacking since 1973 when I did my first 50 miler as a scout. Total gear nut and have dropped from a base weight of 35lbs to 10 - 12lbs and love spending time in the mountains even more. I typically get out for 2 week long trips and several weekend trips each year.

City

Salt Lake City

State

Utah

Country

USA

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RX sunglassesAfter years of transition lenses I recently got dedicated polarized sunglasses and couldn't be happier. My rx isn't that bad so I can get away with just one pair but I like stargazing whil...

CannistersI used an optimus 8r for a decade, MSR Whisperlite for two decades, alky for 2 years and then moved to cannisters - currently a Jet Boil Sol ti. Convenience and speed sealed the deal for me. Most...

Sleep wearI do as well. Silk weight long top and bottom 7.6oz for the pair, put on after a quick dip and my trail clothes are rinsed out nightly. This often makes for a chilly morning but it does motivate ...

Down ul vs syn ulI have both but if I could only own one it would be the downmat ul. Super warm in the winter and no problem in the summer. I am a little cool below freezing on the syn and it just isn't enoug...

Golite Z-30 quiltJust picked one up from the local store as curiosity got the best of me. First impressions are favorable but unless I can "fluff" it up a bit there may be some cold spots. I was dissapp...

Quilt quiverI have been fine with a 15f quilt and a 40f quilt. The 15f quilt is fine for me down to 0f and the 40f quilt is good to the mid twenties by augmenting either with what I normally carry.
I don...

Katabatic +2I have owned many FF, WM, one Nunatak and 4 Katabatic bags, and would rate all very high in terms of workmanship with an almost tie between FF and Katabatic.
Overall I'd give the nod to Ka...

All Reader Reviews by John Vance

Showing 1 - 4 of 4
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Page: 1

Review

Category

Katabatic ChisosThis is from previous posts but I thought I would include it here as well.
I received my Chisos with 2oz overfill and just wanted to update those waiting to hear a little more about my initial imp...

Katabatic Gear SawatchI know I only have spent 4 nights using my Katabatic Sawatch, I wanted to get a review out for those interested that I have posted elsewhere on this site but not in the review area.
I can say thi...

Six Moon Designs Swift10Now that I have some miles on my 2010 Swift I thought I would prepare a more thorough review. I have been using a 2006 SMD Starlight for the past few years and really love it coming from a brief stin...

Kookabay Custom Down Air Mattress (DAM)I recently my pad from Bender yesterday and have to say I am impressed. The seams and sealing is very consistent, straight, and even. My custom pad used the standard 70d fabric and is 24" wide, 6...